Long Beach Fishing

We finally picked out a new outfit for the Okuma truck and trailer.  It was long overdue since we've updated our logo a couple times over the past few years.  But we finally got it done.

The Expedition is all cleaned up and the Parker 1801 looks pretty good as well.  

We have been out a couple of times over the past couple weeks doing some filming and "Product Testing" on some upcoming gear.  Can't really give any sneak peaks that stuff at this point, but there will be more to come.

On Friday I took out a couple of old friends for a run down to Long Beach harbor to work the wall a little bit, and do a couple of drifts for halibut.  We were right on top of the "Super Blood Blue Moon" which made fishing a little difficult.  We had about an 8' swing in tide, which is awesome, but the fish just didn't want to cooperate.  We decided to fish only artificials for the day. We thru Savage Gear baits like teh TPE Shrimp, Sand Eels, and the new 3D Baitfish.  I did manage one pretty nice Sand Bass inside at one of the oil rigs, but of course, didn't get a picture of it. Oh well.  We drifted around for a few short bites, and managed more short bites on both the inside and outside of the wall.  We even made a run to one of the outside oil islands for nada.

Heck, we had mid 80's weather while the rest of the country is freezing.  I guess we can't complain too much.

Until next time!
Dave

Sealy Big Bass Splash

Here is a piece that I wrote about the Sealy Big Bass Splash event at Lake Fork in Texas for our Okuma Fishing Tackle blog.  I had the opportunity to fish in this event, and even won a little money.

Dave

Sealy Big Bass Splash

Every angler dreams of the opportunity to go out fishing, catch a big largemouth, and walk away with a paycheck.  We’ve all grown up watching the bass pro’s holding the giant paper check up over their head.  Now there is a tournament series for the every day fisherman.  The Sealy Big Bass Splash series is just that.  It is an amateur fishing tournament series that takes place all over the south and affords the everyday anglers the opportunity to win some money for doing what they love.  The Sealy events attract anywhere from 1,000 to 3,000 anglers per event.  The events will be going into their 30th  year this year, and plan to have a giant 30^th anniversary event at Lake Sam Rayburn in April 2014. 

Then event itself has a great pay schedule that allows everyone a chance to with great cash and prizes.  Some of the top prizes include trucks, boats, and big paychecks. 

The check-in takes place the day prior and run right through the night.

 

Once all of the anglers finally get checked in, they get out on the water and catch fish.  There are hourly prizes that in some events, start as far down as 12’th place.  It doesn’t always take a big fish to win some hourly money either.  Dave Brown from Okuma fished the Lake Fork Texas event in September, and netted a 5^th place hourly fish taking home a nice little $600 check for a whopping 2.12 pounder.

 

Some of the hourly winning fish were even smaller than Dave’s little guy, and netted themselves $1,000. 

Once the fishing comes to an end, there is a great finale event with raffle prizes and big checks being given out.  You don’t even have to enter to win.  In fact, at next years 30^th anniversary event, the plan is to give out 25-30 Dodge or Toyota trucks as prizes.  Well over $1,000,000 in cash and prizes will leave the event that weekend. 

There are many great sponsors that attend the event, and Okuma is one of them.  For the 2013 series, Okuma stepped up and offered up an additional $10,000 if you happened to catch your fish on one of a few select Okuma items. 

The next event is at Lake Ouachita in Arkansas on Oct 12 and 13^th.  Will you be there to hold that big check over your head, or perhaps drive home a new truck and boat? 

Next years schedule is up and fisherman are getting excited.  Stop by the Sealy Big Bass Splash website for all the details. 

http://sealyoutdoors.com/

Happy Fishing!
Dave

#fishing #okuma #okumafishingtackle #sealybigbasssplash #bassfishing

FLW Forrest Wood Cup Shreveport Louisiana Run

FLW Forrest Wood Cup Shreveport Louisiana Run

Last month I was in Shreveport Louisiana for the FLW Forrest Wood Cup.  This is the Superbowl of the FLW bass fishing tour.  After a year of fishing various rivers and lakes throughout the country, the whole season culminates at this event.  Its really a good time and well attended.  I was there with Okuma and Savage Gear displaying all of our fun new stuff in our booth.
Here is a shot of our booth at the show.

 After each day of the show, I would squeeze out a little time to get a run in.  It was actually a fantastic, 3.5 mile jaunt that ran over, and around the Red River and into Bossier city. 
I would start at my hotel, Sams Town.  From there I would head up to the main street, then over to Texas Street which is the street with the bridge.

There is a nice wide, guarded walkway that leads you up and over the Red River.  From what I can tell, it was about a 1/2 mile up and over.  Once you hit the top, you have a spectacular view of the surrounding area.
Here is a look at the actual iron structure of the bridge. 

 

Looking down to the river, you can see for miles.

Once you hit the top and start your way into Bossier City, you can start to see the Louisiana Riverwalk shopping area.

Once I cross the bridge, I would make a quick right and head on over to the Riverwalk area.  In the shot above, you can see a few of the running areas. The shops and restaurants go on for about a half mile on each side of the bridge.
The Riverwalk is a nice little area with lots of restaurants, bars, and entertainment.  And as the name states, it also have a Riverwalk that you can run along.
Here is a shot looking back up at the bridge that we just crossed.

Of course being in Louisiana, all of the casinos have to be on water.  Here is a look over to the Sams Town hotel and Casino.  You can see the riverboat in front.  The riverboats up and down the river are all permanent fixtures and don't do too much river boating.

And one more looking back at the bridge from farther down the Riverwalk.

One of my favorite parts about Bossier is the Bass Pro Shops.  At the midpoint of my run, I come across the Bossier City Bass Pro Shops.  Of course, being in Louisiana, the Bass Pro Shops down here has Gators in front.  Big suckers too!

From the Bass Pro Shops, it pretty much a wind your way back sort of thing.  Back through the Louisiana Riverwalk, and up and over the Bridge.  Its a fun little run for a good 3.5 miles.  It was in the mid 90's that week and HUMID.  Probably typical for that time of year, but a little miserable for a California boy.
As I usually do, I like to follow up a run with a meal that I probably should be eating.  Being Vegan, I always try to at least make the most appropriate selections, but when in Rome!
One of my favorite places to eat when in Shreveport is The Blind Tiger. 

Good Cajun food, and the beer is always cold!

 A southern favorite, fried dill pickles!!!  These were very good, and probably not totally vegan.  Oh well.  They were awesome with the cajun honey mustard.  One of the other nights I opted for the faux turkey veggie po' boy.  It was actually very good too. 

Keep on runnin!
Dave

#running #Louisiana #Shreveport #vegan #therunningfisherman #okuma #okumafishing #blindtiger

Slaughter Pen Bentonville Arkansas

Slaughter Pen

I generally make two trips to Bentonville Arkansas per year.  This is where Wal Mart is based, and since they are my largest single customer, I get out there when they come a calling.  At first, Bentonville didn't have a lot to do.  At least I never thought so.  After doing some research a couple years ago, we happened upon a little running area called Slaughter Pen.  This is a pretty cool little park area dedicated to mountain bikers, and the occasional runner.  There are all kinds of terrain features, ramps, hills, berms, jumps, and other fun stuff.  I'm generally here during the week, and it doesn't seem to be too crowded. 
Here is a shot walking up to the starting area for the trail.  I'm not sure what the name of this little creek is, but it sure is pretty.

 

 

 From here, you actually go through a trail entrance.  There are lots of trail maps and signs posted letting you know what events are upcoming.

 

The trail I ran was about 1.75 or so winding miles up and down hills and through lots of trees each direction.
I jumped on the Tatamagouche trail, and off I went for a SLOW, steep, winding run.

As you wind through, you start to come across some of the fun features like berms and other planked trail sections.

There are all kinds of these sections throughout the park. It is pretty cool.

Once you complete your one way direction, the trail opens up into the free ride area.  This is a BMX/mountain bike area.  There are quarter pipes, a regular BMX type track, as well as lots of jumps.

From here you can either keep going for a shorter, easier loop back to the beginning, follow your original path back, or jump on one of the numerous other trails in the park.  I think there are roughly six total within this phase of the park. 
I chose to jump on a little more difficult trail running back to finish up the run.
Here is a shot of me deep in the woods.

 

After being sick for almost a full month, it was great to get out and get some fresh Arkansas air in the lungs.
Here is a look at my winding 3.5 mile run.  It was slow and hilly, but felt great.

I was able to get out and do the run two days in a row.  Felt really good, as I had to miss the Pasadena Half last month. 
Time to build back up to another long run!

Happy Running.
Dave

Sick, Sick, Sick, and a Steelhead

Well, I am finally over what so many have had.  Actually I am just passing day 24 of being sick.  I still have a little cough, but feeling better.
I haven't been out for a run in a bit, but plan to shortly.  In fact, The Slaughter Pen is in my near future.  Fun running trail that I hope to write about in the next couple days.
In February I had one quick chance to make it out fishing.  Made it out with a buddy of mine, Carmen, and we drifted the Clackamas.  What a great trip it was.  We landed three steelhead for the day.
Here is the one I caught.

Oh well, back to running and fishing this month.

Hope to post again soon.
Dave

Ala Moana Diamond Head Circle Run

There really is nothing like an early afternoon run in Honolulu.  Except for probably a run in just about any other beautiful island community.  I was in Honolulu for a quick distributor show, and after setting up the Okuma booth, had an opportunity to get out and squeeze in a few miles. 
Started the morning off with some fresh papaya that the Aunties gave to me.

After some fresh fruit and the set up, ran back up to the room and made a quick change into the running gear.  It was a beautiful afternoon.  Here is a view from my room at the Ala Moana hotel overlooking the harbor.  We had whales crossing in front of the harbor all week.  It was great.

After looking out at the whales and ocean for a bit, it was time to head out.  Here is a shot looking up as I was leaving the hotel.

And a quick shot looking across the street from the hotel.

From the hotel, I head on over to the Ala Wei canal and start the run towards Diamond Head. Here is what I am looking at as I head down the Canal.

Lots of interesting things in the canal.  This year I saw multiple shopping carts, a mattress, probably the biggest puffer fish I have ever seen, and various other objects that I couldn't decipher. 

Once you get to the end of the canal, about mile two, you head past the Honolulu Zoo and head through the park.  This is what it looks like when you get to the end of the canal looking toward Diamond Head.

From here you keep heading straight until you get to Diamond Head street. From there I like to head to the right and keep the ocean on my right side.  No particular reason. 
There is a little incline when you actually get near the water and head up past Diamond Head.  Once you get to the crest of the street, there are some spectacular views.
Here is a shot looking where I just came from.

And a shot of where I am headed.

There is a nice little bluff when you get to the crest that I like to stop for a quick stretch.  At this point you are at roughly mile 4-ish.  This year I stopped to watch the humpback whales playing just outside the surf.  Unfortunately I couldn't get a good picture of them, but with the help of Instagram, I did manage a pretty nice shot overlooking the sea.

Once you leave the crest of the road, you start to head down the other side and around the back of Diamond Head.  You complete your circle and get back on Paki road and then rejoin the Ala Wei Canal and work your way back to the hotel. 
All in all it was a 9 mile run and felt really good.

This was a good little training/prep run for my upcoming Rock N Roll Pasadena Half that is coming up in a few weeks. 
Of course, after a nice long run you should generally reward yourself for a job well done.  I did just that.  Here is my reward from Shimazu Store on School Street right next to H1 just short of Liliha Street.

This was the Strawberry Colada and Pina Colada combo.  Yummy!

It was a great trip and a successful show for Okuma.  Our new Ulua reel was a hit.

Happy Running!
Dave

Cocodrie Louisiana

Just got back from a quick little "business" trip down to Cocodrie Louisiana.  We fished with the boys from Top Water Lodge.  This is a real class operation.   They have two nice lodges right on the water, with a nice little fleet of boats.
We had two days of fishing and got into some fantastic Bull Red, Sail Cat, and Black Drum fishing.  Here are a few shots from the trip.  Unfortunately I didn't get a chance to sneak in a run down there.  Next time.
Our mornings would start off down at the dock getting the boats/bait/rods all prepared.

Once on the boats, you we take a nice stroll through the bayou, at roughly 40-50mph.  We did stop at a few places to soak in some scenery.

Once the sun actually comes up, you can really open the boats up. 

Pretty little sunrise over the bayou.

Some spots the Gaff Top Sail Cats were just plain thick.  You couldn't get your bait down fast enough to get into the redfish or drum.  Here is one of the larger models that we got into.

We also managed to get into some big Reds.

And another nice little red.  This guy was pretty torn up, so I had to crop the picture as to not see his tail.  They like to roll around the oyster beds.

This was a fun trip, and if you are looking for a place that will work hard to get you into some fish, look up Top Water Lodge.  Good times!

Dave

Fort Worth Texas Trinity Trails Run

Fort Worth Texas Trinity Trails Run

Had a chance to sneak out for a quick run after a day of working the NBS show in Fort Worth.  This is a run that I have done over the past couple of years.  Its a run that combines some outdoor feel, with closed in big downtown buildings.

Here is a shot of a big ol' Texas star in the Fort Worth Convention Center where the show took place.  Of course being in Texas, the star is made out of various cowboy hats.

 I was based out of the Courtyard Marriott on 6th and Houston which is where I began my Trinity Trails run.  Here's a quick look of the state building from about where I started my run.

Here is a look at the building as I got closer to it.  Pretty cool acrchitecture.

 

  From here, I run down Commerce street and join the Trinity Trails system.

 

 

I actually join the trail system at a local park.  I can't really remember the name, but I enter the trail behind some building and run down a pretty cool, shaded, windy brick pathway.  Hard to see in the photo, but this brick trail winds back and forth and it kind of steep.

 

 

Once at the bottom, I join up with the Trinity River.  This is a pretty neat little trail system that consists of a dirt/gravel trail as well as a concrete trail.
Here is a shot as I am crossing the Trinity Park bridge heading over to the actual trail.

Once you get onto the trail you can see the dirt and concrete trails running parralel.

This little trail winds and intersects each other with some little changes in elevation.  I stuck to the dirt side and it was pretty fun.
Some parts of the trail get pretty close to the river.  Here is a shot looking back to the 6th street bridge.  Right about here is where I cross the river and start heading back.  I did about 2.5 miles along the river.

Once I cross the river, I run back upriver for about a half mile then join back into civilization running up one of the main streets through town.
Here is a shot of one of the pretty churches along the way.

I came across this monument when running by a park.  This was a tribute to William...somethingrather who donated land to the Fort Worth area.  Kind of cool, and really tall.

 

 

Once I pass the monument, I end up right back in downtown.  Here is a quick shot of some of the building that I like to wind through.



 

In running through downtown, there are always some neat storefronts, and lots of big windows.



After I took the above picture, I realize that someone inside was waving back to me.  From here, I only had about a block left.  I ran back to the hotel and took a quick shower.  This run came in at 4.5 miles. 

 

I did a little research, as I tend to do when on the road, and found a great little Vegan restaurant not too far away.

The name of the restaurant is Spiral Cafe and Bakery.  Pretty darn awesome.  I actually ended up going here two nights. 
Night one I opted for the Canyonero Burrito and Disco Hash.  This was pretty amazing and had just enough spice to make me refill my water glass multiple times.  The Disco Hash was phenominal.  It basically is hashbrown smothered in "cheese" and their own country gravy.

 

 

 

Night two, after the above run, I went back to Spiral Diner and went with the Truck Stop Burrito.  I started off with their Spicy Chipotle "Queso"dilla. 

Here is a shot of the Quesodilla.

 

Here is a shot of the Truck Stop Burriot of Love...with side of hashbrowns.

 

 

And of course, after any successful show, and run, I like to wash it all down with a nice cold one.

 



 



 

We had a great NBS show this year, and even had the chance to sneak in a nice little run.

Happy running!